John David McKirgan, 72, of Waggoner, died on Friday, July 3, 2020, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 8, beginning at 10 a.m. at Macoupin Creek Cemetery near Farmersville. Hough Funeral Home in Farmersville is assisting the family. Those planning to attend the services are asked to follow CDC guidelines.
Mr. McKirgan was born Jan. 10, 1948, in Kewanee, to Lowell T. and Aina (Anderson) McKirgan. He was previously married to Susan Lownsberry. He later married Linda Pocklington on July 5, 1978, in Springfield, and she survives.
He served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years, attaining the rank of Petty Officer First Class (E6). He then graduated from Sangamon State with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
During his civilian career, Mr. McKirgan headed sales teams at Hobbs in Springfield, where he developed business and manufacturing relationships in Mainland China. Later, he was a building contractor in the Springfield area.
He was a generous, gregarious friend to many. He fronted a rock band as a high school student in the mid-60s and was an accomplished guitar player. He also enjoyed woodworking, stamp collecting, fishing, hunting, mushrooming, weaving, gardening and especially his dogs.
Mr. McKirgan previously served as a trustee for the village of Waggoner and was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Galva and the Toulon American Legion.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Ginger (Tim) Murray of Riverton; brother, Lowell E. “Bud” (Becky) McKirgan of LaFayette; two grandchildren, Samantha Nichols and Jordan Harrison; four stepgrandchildren; one great-grandchild; three stepgreat-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mr. McKirgan was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty N. McKirgan; and grandson, Zachary Nichols.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to help with burial expenses. Online condolences to the family may be left at www.houghfuneralhome.com.
